Russian pranksters fooled OpenAI's top national security officials into candid Ukraine call
ShakeelHashim · x · 2026-11-12
- Per The Intercept, Russian comedy duo Vovan and Lexus, posing as Ukrainian government officials, tricked three of OpenAI's most senior military/national security staff into a candid conversation about arming Ukraine, then posted the recording.
- Targets included national security policy head Sasha Baker, strategic initiatives lead Caroline Zier, and Ben Crampton (all ex-DoD/EU/UN). Baker said on the call: "We want to have as deep a relationship as we possibly can with Ukraine. But it may not be possible to get to where we want to be straight away."
- The duo has pranked Elton John, John McCain and others since 2011; their stunts often align with Russian foreign policy priorities, which they deny coordinating. OpenAI says it investigated and acted internally.
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